Indie authors from around the country raise money for Bert’s Big Adventure

CUMMING, Ga. – The “Sweet as a Peach” Georgia indie author event held its first multi-author signing on Saturday, April 5.

Event organizer Heather Gunter said this was certainly a success.

About 212 people attended the event at the Forsyth County Conference Center in Cumming, where more than 75 authors from across the country gathered to discuss and sell their books.

“I am very pleased with the turnout,” Gunter said.

Gunter’s reasons for hosting the event were twofold.

She wanted to raise money for Bert’s Big Adventure, a local charity that sends chronically and terminally ill children on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World, and she also wanted to give indie authors some much needed exposure.

“I have a nephew who suffers from a craniofacial syndrome called Goldenhar Syndrome, a condition that causes abnormalities in the head and face,” she said. “And I thought holding this event would be a great way to raise money for the charity.”

The event raised about $1,000 in the silent auction, and those who donated received a tote full of books, she said.

Bestselling author Katie Ashley was thrilled with the event.

“This was probably my 15th signing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one,” Ashley said on her Facebook page.

Fans traveled from across the country to meet their favorite authors and discover new ones.

The book blog SheReader videoed authors talking about their books.

“We are happy to be here to meet all of these authors and share their stories on our blog,” blogger Shayr Guthrie said. “And learn about new books, too.”

Local author Felicia Lynn thought the venue was perfect.

“It was an amazing event and wonderful to see how the Forsyth County Conference Center welcomed everyone,” she said.

Amy Reeder from Cumming attended the event.

“I can’t believe how many great authors were there,” Reeder said. “I hope Heather does it again next year.”